Gerontological Nurse Flashcards

How frequently should a 65-year-old patient still get a cervical check with Pap smear if her Papanicolaou tests (Pap smears) have consistently come back negative?

Answer: Pap smear is no longer required

A 65-year-old patient is no longer required to undergo a cervical check and Pap smear if she has previously had negative Pap tests. If the patient had a positive Pap test during the previous 20 years or any other abnormalities, she should continue to get routine Pap tests for another 20 years following the abnormal finding, even if she is older than 65. Testing is advised by the American Cancer Society every three years, while people with weakened immune systems could require more regular testing.

A 70-year-old woman with minor dyspareunia and vaginal dryness consults the gerontological nurse for suggestions on how to lessen her suffering. The geriatric nurse should advise:

Answer: Water-based (K-Y Jelly) lubricant

As dryness of the vaginal tissues is frequently a contributing factor to dyspareunia in older adults, the gerontological nurse should advise the patient to try using a water-based lubricant (like K-Y Jelly). Petrolatum jelly shouldn't be used on the patient since it doesn't get absorbed by the tissues. The gerontological nurse should advise the patient to ask the doctor about an estrogen-based lubricant if the issue worsens or the lubricant is insufficient.

If a gerontological nurse neglects to notify a doctor of a significant change in a patient's status, this is referred to as:

Answer: Nonfeasance

Nonfeasance, or failing to act appropriately, is the term used to describe this kind of negligence. Malfeasance is the practice of an act that is not within the bounds of one's profession, such as a procedure that is not permitted for a nurse. Misfeasance is the inappropriate performance of an action. Criminal negligence is any behavior that disregards the patient's health or safety.

A hospice patient claims she had intended to write her autobiography but never found the time. Though she wishes she could leave them for her kids, she is currently too exhausted to write. Which of the following displays the most consideration for the patient's requirements on the part of the gerontological nurse?

Answer: Providing a tape recorder to record patient memories

The nurse providing a tape recorder to record patient memories shows the most sensitivity to the patient’s needs. This helps the patient to leave a history for her children and facilitates a life review to benefit the patient.

The gerontological nurse should do the following if she sees a certified nursing assistant (CNA) she has assigned personal care to massaging the immobile patient's inflamed heels:

Answer: Explain how massaging reddened tissue may cause tissue damage.

The best course of action is to explain to the CNA how stroking inflamed tissue may result in tissue injury. The gerontological nurse should take advantage of this chance to inform the CNA about evidence-based skin care recommendations and to advise her on pressure relief techniques, such as the use of heel protectors, posture, and regular turning. Massage was once a popular practice.

The official relationship between the newly certified gerontological nurse and the preceptor has ended, but the nurse found the three months of preceptorship to be very helpful. The gerontological nurse believes that occasionally there may be nursing care areas for which guidance would be beneficial. The best course of action is probably:

Answer: Request a mentor.

Preceptoring is more formal than mentoring, which entails a continuing relationship the nurse can utilize to talk about problems or concerns. Meetings often occur once a week, which is less frequently than preceptoring.

The American Cancer Society advises: If a 65-year-old patient has prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels of 3.0 ng/mL:

Answer: Testing every year

The American Cancer Society advises yearly screening for patients over 65 who have PSA levels of at least 2.5 ng/mL (in this case, 3.0 ng/mL). A patient only needs to be retested every two years if their PSA is less than 2.5 ng/mL. It is advised against offering testing to older patients who have a life expectancy of fewer than 10 years because prostate cancer typically spreads relatively slowly.